Where History Shines

High on a sandstone bluff overlooking the grand sweep of Lake Superior, Big Bay Point Lighthouse northwest of Marquette stands alone against the wind.

Remote, historic, and remarkably wellpreserved, it has watched over passing ships since 1896—and today, it remains one of the only resident lighthouse inns in the country. For owner and innkeeper Nick Korstad, the man responsible for its restoration and daily operation, the lighthouse is far more than a boutique lodging property.

Korstad purchased the lighthouse in 2018 after nearly two decades of restoring offshore light stations on the East Coast. “It’s kind of been a childhood passion of mine. I always wanted to be a lighthouse keeper,” he says. Big Bay Point offered what his offshore projects couldn’t. “I always wanted one on land,” he explains. The lighthouse had lingered on the GSA auction list for years. But Korstad, who began managing hotels in the late ’90s, saw its potential. “I knew it would work, and I knew that people like lighthouses,” he says.

That instinct has proven right, in part because Big Bay Point Lighthouse is still a working aid to navigation—a distinction that shapes the entire guest experience. Korstad describes how “we have the brightest light on Lake Superior… it goes out past the horizon. You can see it kick on at night, sweep through the trees and out across the water.” For visitors, watching ships respond to a functioning lantern turns a stay into something greater than a getaway.

That connection extends throughout the property. The inn’s five guest rooms, all with private baths and intentionally without televisions or phones, encourage visitors to unplug. Acres of lawn and a 40-acre wooded trail network offer quiet walking paths, shoreline access, and sweeping views toward the Huron Mountains. Guests can even climb the tower for a panoramic look at the coast.

It’s a deeply personalized stay, and Korstad believes that is what sets boutique lodging apart. “Boutique properties offer more of a unique, personalized experience. You’re not just a number,” he says. “When you stay at an independent boutique hotel, you’re your own person. At chain hotels, you’re just a rewards member in their system.” Many guests arrive for anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or engagements. Some return year after year. Korstad routinely helps visitors plan hikes, chase waterfalls, or time their tower climbs for a perfect sunset.

Preserving the building’s character is a constant effort. Korstad jokes that “there’s no just ‘enjoying it.’ Every spare day is fixing something.” To protect the lighthouse’s historic integrity, he stores every piece of original trim and wood removed and only installs modern amenities where they won’t disturb the structure.

Outside, he maintains the grounds with the same care, avoiding chemicals and pesticides entirely. “I have a duty to keep the lighthouse up and a duty not to pollute the lake,” he says. Native plantings support monarchs, migrating birds, and other wildlife. A small pond on the property has attracted a golden-winged Warbler, a bird Korstad notes “has never been seen north of Chicago” until it began returning to his yard. Cornell University is now studying the anomaly.

For all the work it requires, the location rewards both owner and guests. Although the inn operates only from May through October, the surrounding region offers year-round appeal. Seven waterfalls lie within five miles. Visitors often plan detailed itineraries—hiking Thomas Rock Lookout, exploring Presque Isle Park, or day-tripping to Copper Harbor. In Big Bay, dining options include the Thunder Bay Inn, the Lumberjack Tavern, and staples from the general store.

Yet the moment that stays with most guests arrives at night, when the lantern room comes alive. Korstad hopes that experience conveys something bigger than a single stay. “I want them to remember the importance of the lighthouse in American history… everything we have today was because of these lights guiding goods and people safely.” While Big Bay Point Lighthouse delivers comfort, privacy, and the charm of a boutique hotel, Korstad insists that isn’t the primary goal. “I’m not selling a lighthouse for the boutique experience. I’m selling it for them to understand American history.”

For travelers seeking a stay unlike anywhere else in Michigan, Big Bay Point Lighthouse offers something rare: a night inside history, on a wild northern edge of the United States.

TOP PHOTO: Big Bay Point Lighthouse (NICK KORSTAD)

From Shore to City: Boutique Escapes

Nestledown Bed & Breakfast — Marquette
A Scandinavian-inspired bed-and-breakfast just steps from Lake Superior, Nestledown blends clean Nordic design with warm hospitality. Locally sourced breakfasts, cozy gathering spaces, and a peaceful residential setting make it a favorite.

The Vault Hotel — Houghton
Set inside a former bank, The Vault embraces its financial past with playful luxury: original vault doors, marble details, and stylishly themed floors (Old Money, New Money, and Found Money. With high-touch service and designforward rooms, it’s a standout boutique stay.

The Siren Hotel — Detroit
Occupying the restored Wurlitzer Building downtown, The Siren Hotel blends Old-World glamour with bold, eclectic style. From jewel-toned rooms to curated dining and a cocktail bar with vintage charm, it’s a favorite for design lovers.

Weber’s Boutique Hotel — Ann Arbor
A family-owned Ann Arbor staple since 1937, Weber’s combines boutique sensibility with the service and amenities of a fullservice hotel. Modern guestrooms, live music at the iconic Weber’s Restaurant, and an indoor pool atrium give the property a polished, welcoming feel.

CityFlatsHotel — Grand Rapids
CityFlats offers eco-conscious boutique design with custom-made furnishings, modern interiors, and a central downtown location. Known for its green building practices and sleek aesthetic, it’s an excellent fit for travelers seeking sustainability.

Yelton Manor — South Haven
A beloved South Haven inn steps from Lake Michigan, Yelton Manor offers classic B&B charm with boutique touches—lush gardens, individually styled rooms, and quiet common spaces made for reading or relaxing.